Introduction
“Under Attack” holds a significant place in ABBA’s history, not just as a song but as a marker of a transitional period for the group. Recorded in August 1982, it was one of the last songs they recorded together before their unofficial hiatus, which ultimately led to their disbandment.
The song was intended for a new studio album, but plans shifted, and it was instead released as one of two new tracks on the double album compilation The Singles: The First Ten Years. The other new track was “The Day Before You Came.” This compilation served as a retrospective of their career, but also inadvertently became a sort of farewell to their fans for many years.
“Under Attack” features Agnetha Fältskog on lead vocals, delivering a powerful and emotive performance. The lyrics depict a sense of vulnerability and being overwhelmed in a relationship, with the “attack” metaphor representing the emotional turmoil and pressure experienced. Musically, the song blends ABBA’s signature pop sound with a slightly darker and more dramatic tone, reflecting the lyrical themes.
The music video for “Under Attack,” filmed in November 1982, is particularly notable. It features the group navigating an empty warehouse filled with flashing red lights, creating a visually striking and somewhat unsettling atmosphere. The video concludes with the four members walking away from the camera and out of the warehouse, which has been interpreted by many as a symbolic representation of their departure as a group. Their performance of “Under Attack” on the BBC’s Late Late Breakfast Show in December 1982 would be their final public performance together for a long time. This adds a layer of poignancy to the song, making it a significant piece in the story of ABBA.